The United States government has added Nigeria to its list of countries subject to expanded travel restrictions, citing concerns over national security, visa screening, and vetting processes.
In a proclamation issued on December 16, 2025, President Donald Trump expanded entry limitations for foreign nationals, including Nigerian citizens, as part of broader measures to strengthen U.S. border security.
The restrictions affect both immigrant and non‑immigrant visas, including categories such as tourist (B‑1/B‑2), student (F and M), and exchange (J) visas.
According to the White House fact sheet accompanying the proclamation, Nigeria was placed on the list due to “persistent deficiencies in screening, vetting, and information‑sharing” that the United States says pose security challenges.
It also noted that visa overstay rates among Nigerian travellers were higher than U.S. benchmarks, contributing to the decision.
The expanded travel restrictions classify Nigeria among 15 additional countries facing partial entry limitations.
Other nations added to this category include Angola, Senegal, Tanzania, and Zimbabwe.
The proclamation also maintains full travel restrictions on several previously identified high‑risk countries and expands full restrictions to others.
The U.S. administration says the measures are intended to protect national security and improve cooperation on immigration screening and data‑sharing with foreign governments.
U.S. authorities have included exceptions for lawful permanent residents, certain existing visa holders, diplomats, and individuals whose entry serves U.S. national interests, including case‑by‑case waivers.
The policy shift comes amid growing global scrutiny of visa compliance, with U.S. officials citing both security and immigration control priorities in their rationale for the expanded restrictions.
